Preening

White-Faced Ibis smoothing out its jewel-toned feathers.

Naptime

Starlings

These birds have some odd relevances to my academic life. First, their presence in America has been attributed to an obsessive Shakespeare fan, though the Shakespeare connection may be nothing but a legend. Second, they may be capable of recognizing recursion in sound sequences, an ability generally considered unique to humans and essential to language.

Shell & moss

Tiny nest

Female Allen's Hummingbird on her nest

Mama bird drinking from a conveniently located feeder

Red

American Robin eating Pyracantha berries